Rare Savoyard Music Box by Polyphon
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This fascinating Savoyard by Polyphon is one of the few known to exist
Key Features
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- An exceptional "Savoyard" automaton disk player by Polyphon Musikwerke of Germany
- This incredible musical antique is one of only a handfull known to exist
- The drop of a coin activates the organ grinder, commanding his adorable dancing monkeys
- The sound quality of this Savoyard is fantastic
- Circa 1900
- 21 1/2" wide x 33 3/4" deep x 61" high
Item Details
- Width:
21 1/2 Inches - Height:
61 Inches - Depth:
33 3/4 Inches - Period:
20th Century - Origin:
Germany
This exceptionally rare "Savoyard" automaton disk player by Polyphon Musikwerke is one of only a handful known to exist, and the only one known to be in perfect working condition such as this. When a coin is dropped in the slot, the large terra-cotta organ grinder's hand turns the crank, setting his diminutive monkey dancers into motion while the music box plays a lovely tune. The Savoyard is still considered among the greatest music boxes ever created, and is highly sought-after by seasoned collectors and music enthusiasts alike. This Savoyard displays a superior sound quality and comes complete with 14 disks measuring 15 1/2" in diameter.
A similar example is pictured in Musical Automata by Dr. Jan Jaap Haspels, page 136.
Circa 1900
21 1/2" wide x 33 3/4" deep x 61" high
The Polyphon Musikwerke (Music Works) was founded in 1889 in Leipzig, Germany by Gustave Brachhausen and Paul Riessner. Both men worked for the Symphonion firm where they became skilled in the latest innovations in music box manufacturing, giving Polyphon a strong advantage in the growing market. Between 1895 and 1905, Polyphon became the world's largest manufacturer of music boxes making innovations of their own including new methods of crafting stronger, longer-lasting discs. Polyphon is responsible for the creation of some of the finest musical works from clocks and small, hand-held models to larger floor and automaton models such as this fine example.
References:
Music Boxes, 1993, Gilbert Bahl Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments, 1972, Q. David Bowers
A similar example is pictured in Musical Automata by Dr. Jan Jaap Haspels, page 136.
Circa 1900
21 1/2" wide x 33 3/4" deep x 61" high
The Polyphon Musikwerke (Music Works) was founded in 1889 in Leipzig, Germany by Gustave Brachhausen and Paul Riessner. Both men worked for the Symphonion firm where they became skilled in the latest innovations in music box manufacturing, giving Polyphon a strong advantage in the growing market. Between 1895 and 1905, Polyphon became the world's largest manufacturer of music boxes making innovations of their own including new methods of crafting stronger, longer-lasting discs. Polyphon is responsible for the creation of some of the finest musical works from clocks and small, hand-held models to larger floor and automaton models such as this fine example.
References:
Music Boxes, 1993, Gilbert Bahl Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments, 1972, Q. David Bowers
